Research progress on the pharmacological activity, biosynthetic pathways, and biosynthesis of crocins

• Zhongwei Hua,
• Nan Liu and
• Xiaohui Yan

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2024, 20, 741–752, doi:10.3762/bjoc.20.68

• -synuclein (αS), thereby alleviating the apoptosis of neuronal cells and cognitive impairment [30][31][32][33]. Lastly, the extract of C. sativus can also improve the chronic stress-induced loss of learning and memory by reducing the ROS level or regulating the synthesis of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and

• ]. Mollaei et al. observed an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in crocin-treated cancer cells. Therefore, crocins are proposed to exert anticancer activity by promoting apoptosis of cancer cells [47]. This mechanism is consistent with the results of Hoshyar et al., who observed the apoptosis-promoting activity of

Green and sustainable approaches for the Friedel–Crafts reaction between aldehydes and indoles

• Periklis X. Kolagkis,
• Eirini M. Galathri and
• Christoforos G. Kokotos

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2024, 20, 379–426, doi:10.3762/bjoc.20.36

• general extends to other types of cancers as well, such as prostate cancer by being an androgen receptor (AR) agonist in LNCaP prostate cancer cells [6]. DIM controls cell growth rates in AR-negative cells, while also targeting the mitochondria inducing apoptosis, which alleviates some of the symptoms of

Elucidating the glycan-binding specificity and structure of Cucumis melo agglutinin, a new R-type lectin

• Jon Lundstrøm,
• Emilie Gillon,
• Valérie Chazalet,
• Nicole Kerekes,
• Antonio Di Maio,
• Ten Feizi,
• Yan Liu,
• Annabelle Varrot and
• Daniel Bojar

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2024, 20, 306–320, doi:10.3762/bjoc.20.31

• biology, and biomedicine. These carbohydrate-binding proteins boast a range of functions, acting as recognition modules in cell–molecule and cell–cell interactions, thereby playing vital roles in immune defense, regulation of growth, and apoptosis [1]. In plants, they serve as essential components in

• realm of therapeutics, lectins such as mistletoe lectins have shown promise in cancer therapy, by virtue of their ability to induce apoptosis in malignant cells [7]. Further, the creation of lectin arrays [8][9], which employ a diverse set of characterized lectins, has enabled high-throughput glycan

Metal-catalyzed coupling/carbonylative cyclizations for accessing dibenzodiazepinones: an expedient route to clozapine and other drugs

• Amina Moutayakine and
• Anthony J. Burke

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2024, 20, 193–204, doi:10.3762/bjoc.20.19

• disorders (Figure 1) [1][2]. Dibenzodiazepinones were also found to exhibit significant anticancer properties [3], as they were found to effectively inhibit tumor invasion in vitro [4], and induce apoptosis among several cancer cell lines [5]. Additionally, several dibenzodiazepinone-based structures were

Visible-light-induced radical cascade cyclization: a catalyst-free synthetic approach to trifluoromethylated heterocycles

• Chuan Yang,
• Wei Shi,
• Jian Tian,
• Lin Guo,
• Yating Zhao and
• Wujiong Xia

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2024, 20, 118–124, doi:10.3762/bjoc.20.12

• compounds (Figure 1) [1][2][3], which exhibit a wide range of biological and pharmaceutical activities [4]. For example, mersicarpine has been found to inhibit protein translation and induce apoptosis [5] and vinburnine acts as a vasodilator for the treatment of cerebrovascular insufficiency [6][7]. Given

Consecutive four-component synthesis of trisubstituted 3-iodoindoles by an alkynylation–cyclization–iodination–alkylation sequence

• Nadia Ledermann,
• Alae-Eddine Moubsit and
• Thomas J. J. Müller

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2023, 19, 1379–1385, doi:10.3762/bjoc.19.99

• interest as indole-based blue emitters in solution and in the solid state. The expansion of this practical concise synthesis of indoles and azaindoles and their exploration as biologically active apoptosis inducers [37] and as functional blue emitters is currently underway. Experimental Consecutive four

Visible-light-induced nickel-catalyzed α-hydroxytrifluoroethylation of alkyl carboxylic acids: Access to trifluoromethyl alkyl acyloins

• Feng Chen,
• Xiu-Hua Xu,
• Zeng-Hao Chen,
• Yue Chen and
• Feng-Ling Qing

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2023, 19, 1372–1378, doi:10.3762/bjoc.19.98

• experiments showed that trifluoromethyl acyloins can selectively induce apoptosis in human oral cancer cells [22][23] and have therefore attracted much more attention. However, trifluoromethyl acyloins were not widely used due to the challenge associated with their synthesis. Certain progress has been made in

Synthesis of ether lipids: natural compounds and analogues

• Marco Antônio G. B. Gomes,
• Alicia Bauduin,
• Chloé Le Roux,
• Romain Fouinneteau,
• Wilfried Berthe,
• Mathieu Berchel,
• Hélène Couthon and
• Paul-Alain Jaffrès

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2023, 19, 1299–1369, doi:10.3762/bjoc.19.96

Combretastatins D series and analogues: from isolation, synthetic challenges and biological activities

• Jorge de Lima Neto and
• Paulo Henrique Menezes

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2023, 19, 399–427, doi:10.3762/bjoc.19.31

• . After binding to tubulin, they act as stabilizing agents, allowing the formation of microtubules in the early stages, but preventing their disassembly in the final stages of cell division, thus leading to apoptosis [15][55][74] in a mechanism similar to taxol® [76]. However, it is worth to note that

Insight into oral amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticles for colorectal cancer: comprehensive mathematical model of drug release kinetic studies and antitumoral efficacy in 3D spheroid colon tumors

• Sedat Ünal,
• Gamze Varan,
• Juan M. Benito,
• Yeşim Aktaş and
• Erem Bilensoy

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2023, 19, 139–157, doi:10.3762/bjoc.19.14

• reported that depletion of cholesterol by methyl-β-cyclodextrin could inhibit EGFR signals, induce apoptosis, and suppress tumor growth in colon tumor-induced mice [57]. Shimolina et al. evaluated membrane fluidity in CT26 and HeLa Kyoto cells treated with cisplatin in a monolayer conventional cell culture

• . It was emphasized that the increased plasma membrane fluidity due to the decrease of lipid rafts and, moreover, cholesterol in the biological membrane plays a role in inducing apoptosis [58]. When the literature information and the findings are evaluated, it can be said that the use of CD

Computational model predicts protein binding sites of a luminescent ligand equipped with guanidiniocarbonyl-pyrrole groups

• Neda Rafieiolhosseini,
• Matthias Killa,
• Thorben Neumann,
• Niklas Tötsch,
• Jean-Noël Grad,
• Alexander Höing,
• Thies Dirksmeyer,
• Jochen Niemeyer,
• Christian Ottmann,
• Shirley K. Knauer,
• Michael Giese,
• Jens Voskuhl and
• Daniel Hoffmann

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2022, 18, 1322–1331, doi:10.3762/bjoc.18.137

• enormous number of interactions with other proteins. Currently, more than 200 interacting proteins are known. 14-3-3 proteins play a significant role in cell signaling [2][3] and they were found to be essential in processes such as differentiation, apoptosis, or migration [4]. 14-3-3 proteins also play a

Synthesis and HDAC inhibitory activity of pyrimidine-based hydroxamic acids

• Virginija Jakubkiene,
• Gabrielius Ernis Valiulis,
• Markus Schweipert,
• Asta Zubriene,
• Daumantas Matulis,
• Franz-Josef Meyer-Almes and
• Sigitas Tumkevicius

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2022, 18, 837–844, doi:10.3762/bjoc.18.84

• . This function is essential in the transcription of DNA, as histones with acetyl groups do not interact as strongly with DNA, which opens the chromatin for transcription. HDACs also interact with other cellular proteins to regulate vital functions such as cell differentiation or apoptosis. They have

Menadione: a platform and a target to valuable compounds synthesis

• Acácio S. de Souza,
• Ruan Carlos B. Ribeiro,
• Dora C. S. Costa,
• Fernanda P. Pauli,
• David R. Pinho,
• Matheus G. de Moraes,
• Fernando de C. da Silva,
• Luana da S. M. Forezi and
• Vitor F. Ferreira

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2022, 18, 381–419, doi:10.3762/bjoc.18.43

• (DNA and RNA), enzymes, structural proteins, and cell membrane lipids. These effects can lead to dysfunctions that activate the apoptosis process resulting in cell death [42][43][44][45][46]. In addition to participating in redox cycles as biomolecules in various biochemical processes, the 1,4

Efficient N-arylation of 4-chloroquinazolines en route to novel 4-anilinoquinazolines as potential anticancer agents

• Rodolfo H. V. Nishimura,
• Thiago dos Santos,
• Valter E. Murie,
• Luciana C. Furtado,
• Leticia V. Costa-Lotufo and
• Giuliano C. Clososki

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 2968–2975, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.206

• apoptosis [7]. Figure 1 highlights the structures of three EGFR inhibitors approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and one known tubulin inhibitor: erlotinib (1), gefitinib (2), lapatinib (3), and MPC-6827 – verubulin (4) [5][7]. Given that 4-anilinoquinazolines are potential

The ethoxycarbonyl group as both activating and protective group in N-acyl-Pictet–Spengler reactions using methoxystyrenes. A short approach to racemic 1-benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids

• Marco Keller,
• Karl Sauvageot-Witzku,
• Franz Geisslinger,
• Nicole Urban,
• Michael Schaefer,
• Karin Bartel and
• Franz Bracher

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 2716–2725, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.183

• after substraction of the basal value. Flow cytometry P-glycoprotein activity was assessed using the reporter dye calcein acetoxymethyl ester (AM) as described previously [59]. To assess apoptosis, VCR-R CEM cells were seeded at 0.125 × 106 cells/well, incubated for 4 h and stimulated as indicated for

• 48 h. Apoptosis was analyzed by propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry as described by Nicoletti et al. [60]. All flow cytometry experiments were conducted on a BD FACS Canto II (BD Biosciences). Prominent synthetic approaches to 1-benzyltetrahydroisoquinolines: Bischler–Napieralski, Pictet

• significance was determined by ordinary one-way ANOVA and Dunnett’s post test. ****p < 0.0001. D) Combination treatment of benzylisoquinolines and vincristine. VCR-R CEM cells were treated with 0.1 or 1 µM vincristine for 48 h in presence or absence of the respective benzylisoquinoline (10 µM). Apoptosis was

Strategies for the synthesis of brevipolides

• Yudhi D. Kurniawan and
• A'liyatur Rosyidah

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 2399–2416, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.157

• , entries 1–7). A very low ED50 value of 8.5 nM was obtained for brevipolide C (3) (Table 2, entry 3) [4], making it a very potent lead compound for anticancer candidates related to mitochondrial dysfunction effect. A reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) could also indicate apoptosis [20

Post-functionalization of drug-loaded nanoparticles prepared by polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) with mitochondria targeting ligands

• Janina-Miriam Noy,
• Fan Chen and
• Martina Stenzel

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 2302–2314, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.148

• ]. PENAO triggers cell apoptosis by targeting the ANT protein, which is located in the mitochondria. More specifically, PENAO binds to the thiols located on the ANT peptide loops Cys57 and Cys257, which results in the formation of stable cyclic dithioarsinite complexes [5]. Arsenic drugs do not only bind

• only rely on that reaction to introduce cell apoptosis, as all particle systems are cytotoxic regardless of reaching the mitochondria or not. The mitochondria contain indeed several vicinal protein thiols that readily react with trivalent arsenicals, however, it has been shown that various other

(Phenylamino)pyrimidine-1,2,3-triazole derivatives as analogs of imatinib: searching for novel compounds against chronic myeloid leukemia

• Luiz Claudio Ferreira Pimentel,
• Lucas Villas Boas Hoelz,
• Henayle Fernandes Canzian,
• Frederico Silva Castelo Branco,
• Andressa Paula de Oliveira,
• Vinicius Rangel Campos,
• Floriano Paes Silva Júnior,
• Rafael Ferreira Dantas,
• Jackson Antônio Lamounier Camargos Resende,
• Anna Claudia Cunha,
• Nubia Boechat and
• Mônica Macedo Bastos

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 2260–2269, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.144

• the transduction of signals; these processes induce cell apoptosis [8][9]. As mutations in the BCR-Abl-1 enzyme domain can occur, cases of resistance have emerged in the treatment with TKIs, compromising its effectiveness [10][11]. In continuation of the work by our group to develop new imatinib

Natural products in the predatory defence of the filamentous fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus

• Jana M. Boysen,
• Nauman Saeed and
• Falk Hillmann

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 1814–1827, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.124

• breast cancer cells by arresting the cell cycle and promoting apoptosis while showing no cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 cells, thus demonstrating their selectivity [65][67]. Further, fumigaclavine was shown to exhibit antibacterial properties and to contribute to virulence in the model insect Galleria

A systems-based framework to computationally describe putative transcription factors and signaling pathways regulating glycan biosynthesis

• Theodore Groth,
• Rudiyanto Gunawan and
• Sriram Neelamegham

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 1712–1724, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.119

• regulatory circuits and access chromatin despite it being in a condensed state [3]. These TFs act as “master regulators”, promoting the expression of several genes across many signaling pathways, such as differentiation, apoptosis, and cell proliferation. The precise targets of the TFs are controlled by

Stereoselective synthesis and transformation of pinane-based 2-amino-1,3-diols

• Ákos Bajtel,
• Mounir Raji,
• Matti Haukka,
• Ferenc Fülöp and
• Zsolt Szakonyi

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 983–990, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.80

• apoptosis [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Due to its involvement in a wide range of cellular processes, significant efforts have been made in the last two decades targeting sphingosine analogues signalling as a therapeutic strategy. For instance, FTY720-P (3), the phosphate of FTY720 (2, fingolimod), proved to be a

Simulating the enzymes of ganglioside biosynthesis with Glycologue

• Andrew G. McDonald and
• Gavin P. Davey

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 739–748, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.64

• then to subsequent ceramide-linked glycoconjugate acceptors, before transport and eventual incorporation into the plasma membrane via vesicular fusion. Gangliosides, which function as antigenic determinants [4], may play a role in membrane organization [5], cell signaling [6], apoptosis [7], and in

Selected peptide-based fluorescent probes for biological applications

• Debabrata Maity

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 2971–2982, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.247

• , tau, theta, sigma, and zeta) [43][44]. This protein family plays key roles in human physiology including metabolism, stress response, protein trafficking, cell-cycle control, signal transduction, apoptosis, and neurotransmission by binding to their phosphorylated protein partners [45]. They are

• (Figure 10C). Lysosomes tracking Lysosomes participate multiple roles including intracellular transportation, metabolism, cell membrane recycling, and apoptosis [60]. Lysosomal lumen is acidic in nature and it is required for lysosomal enzyme activities. Deviation of lysosomal functions could result in

Automated high-content imaging for cellular uptake, from the Schmuck cation to the latest cyclic oligochalcogenides

• Rémi Martinent,
• Javier López-Andarias,
• Dimitri Moreau,
• Yangyang Cheng,
• Naomi Sakai and
• Stefan Matile

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 2007–2016, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.167

• protein were used to segment whole cells and mitochondria, respectively (blue and yellow areas, Figure 7a). The structural characteristics of the cells were extracted from both masks. Possible damaged cells with early signs of apoptosis or abnormal mitochondrial networks were excluded (Figure 7a, right

Synthesis of new dihydroberberine and tetrahydroberberine analogues and evaluation of their antiproliferative activity on NCI-H1975 cells

• Giacomo Mari,
• Lucia De Crescentini,
• Serena Benedetti,
• Francesco Palma,
• Stefania Santeusanio and
• Fabio Mantellini

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 1606–1616, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.133

• hydrazone derivatives enhances the apoptosis inducing activity [54]. Another particularly useful feature of the hydrazone group is related by its high tendency to provide solid derivatives. The target of the here reported strategy is to recover as pure products the desired functionalized DHBERs to evaluate